Pomegranates have long been used in traditional folk remedies to treat sore throats, inflammation, and rheumatism. And recent scientific research has suggested that they are also potentially effective in both preventing and treating prostate cancer.

One research study, conducted on human prostate cancer cells in lab dishes, at the University of Wisconsin, revealed that there existed dosage dependant improvements. One more study at the same facility took place wherein mice were injected with human prostate cancer cells. These mice developed malignancies. Some mice were given plain water, while 2 other subject groups of mice were given water mixed with different concentrations of pomegranate extract.

Those mice that had water only developed tumours that grew much faster than the pomegranate and water groups. The quantity levels given to the mice were identical to that which people might get if they drink pomegranate juice on a daily basis. And whilst pomegranate juice hasn’t yet been tested on human beings with prostate cancer, the results are indeed encouraging.

The study did not identify what areas of pomegranate juice were responsible for slowing down prostate tumour growth. But the scientists concerned mentioned the antioxidant polyphenolic compounds, which are more effective than green tea and red wine.

Pomegranate extract not only inhibited the growth of cancer cells, it also worked in another way - apoptosis.

Apoptosis relates to a way that cells can die. Cancer growths are characterized by an uncontrolled growth of cells without following the the normal processes of cellular differentiation of regular healthy cells. Cellular differentiation means that the characteristics of a cell change and get the functions that a mature, healthy cell would. For example, liver cells have specialized liver functions, that holds true in the case of prostate, breast, kidney, and all other cells types. This is right and healthy.

In tumour growths, though some cells fully differentiate, many only differentiate partially, and some do not differentiate at all. And the tumors with greater undifferentiated cells grow faster. So, stimulating cellular differentiation is one approach to cancer treatment. One more procedure being tried by doctors and researchers in cancer treatment is by causing the death of cancerous cells. They perform this through apoptosis, as stated above, and necrosis.

In General, prostate cancer grows at very slow pace, although it is sporadic and can advance and spread rapidly.

Jason Myers is a professional writer and he writes mostly about cancer treatments info news. He’s also interested in health and diet plans.

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